Is it possible to have a road movie without the characters leaving home? Abu, Son of Adam, the Indian submission for Oscar consideration this year, focuses on the Moslem Hajj—the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Moslems who can afford to do so are expected to make at some point in their lives. But the film isn't about the trip itself. Rather the story revolves around the desire and preparation to make the journey.

Abu and his wife Aisumma are an aging couple. As the time for the Hajj begins to draw near, Abu expresses his desire to make the journey. They are not a wealthy couple. It would be understandable for them not to make such an expensive trip. But Abu is a devout man. It is his dream to "walk on the pious land." Rather than hope to get picked in a local lottery to be sent, they go to a travel agent and begin the arrangements for the trip. It will cost far more than they have on hand.

All through the film, they strive to make this dream come true. They are willing to sell all that they have—their two cows. They even sell the tree that shades their yard to a sawmill. There are neighbors—some who are not Muslims—who want to help. The offer gifts to help them fulfill this dream. Abu turns them down. He and Aisumma will rely on God to provide the way for them to make this pilgrimage. All through the film there is an impending sense of failure. Still Abu keeps working on his plan to go to Mecca.

This is really a story of faith and commitment. Abu is trying to live out his faith to the fullest. The very fact that because he lacks the means he is not required to make the Hajj yet desires it so sincerely speaks to the depth of his faith. He is also determined that he will make the journey properly. He will not rely on others to supply his way. He (with the help of God) will provide a way for himself. He will not cut corners in his plans for the Hajj. He considers it better not to go than to go with an impious manner. Whether he is able to make the trip or not, the effort he has put into making the trip is itself a reward for the faith he is seeking to live out.

Abu, Son of Adam allows viewers—of whatever religion—to consider just how much their faith means to them. Who among us would be willing to sell all we have in order to make a pilgrimage? Jesus shared a pair of parables (Matthew 13:44-46) that compares the Kingdom with treasures that are worthy of selling all one has. How seriously do Christians take those parables? What price are we willing to put on our faith—and what price do we consider too steep? Abu and Aisumma are examples of what it can mean to live by faith.